I adjusted the the valves on my 83 300d this morning. I have been driving the car for over a year and this was the first time I did this. Car has had regular service by PO and I have all service records from the past and it's been a little over 20k since last adjustment. No problems with the adjustment but I do have a question about idle speed...
After the adjustment the idle speed is up to around 850 in park, looks close to 750 in drive. Used to be about 650 in drive and was fine. Should I lower the idle speed to 750 in park or leave it alone? I will say the valve adjustment made all the difference in the world with easy starting and no more smoke.

Thanks!

Jim
83 300d 237k 2nd owner Fl. car

Jim,
I'm sorry I can't answer your question about the idle speed. I am curious though about how long it took you to do the adjustment. I have a 1983 300D-T that hasn't had a valve adjustment in well over 40K miles. I just received the wrenches in the mail and am ready to do it but don't want to misgauge how long it will take a first timer. Thanks a lot!

Alex

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1983 300D (parked for four years)
2012 VW Sportwagen TDI Manual
2001 Miata SE
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside

Alex, I just adjusted the valves on an 83 300SD for the first time. It took me about 45 minutes, but I have extensive mechanical experience. If you are a mechanically inclined type and are comfortable working on engines it should be under 1.5 hours. If you do not have a lot of experience wrenching budget 2.5 hours. It really is simple and nothing to fear. Take your time and go slowly. Be sure to check the lash after you lock the top nut, it will change. You will get the hang of the feel on the feeler to get the proper lash after the first few making it much quicker down the line. Good luck, and take your time.

From start to finish it was about 2 hours. I had never done a 300 before, used to do my 67 200d several years ago. One thing I noticed that I don't remember with the 200 was the camshaft had to be as close to all lobes down, up or pointed at the flat side of the valve cover to remove and install the valve cover. Have not seen that mentioned here before so it may have been me.